Before you can start something, build a solid foundation.
Huang Yu said, "Of course there are hidden dangers. Brother Deng, you rushed in too aggressively. You need to plan ahead for how the situation will develop."
To be honest, the Martial Dao Institute encourages competition, and authority means everything.
Everyone wants to climb the ladder and gain higher authority.
Deng Qing nodded; he had never understood this principle as deeply as he did now.
"But that's where the trouble lies."
Huang Yu picked up his teacup and moistened his throat. "Logically speaking, since you made it onto the leaderboard based on your own abilities, the right to exchange for the True Condensation Pill should naturally belong to you."
But before you came, this benefit had been enjoyed by a certain group for too long, and they had long since taken it for granted.
Now that you've suddenly reached out and picked the fruit, it's hard for people not to have complaints!
Deng Qing laughed and said, "That makes it seem like I'm in the wrong."
"This isn't a matter of right or wrong; it's just human nature."
Huang Yu put down his teacup. "I've been in the Merit Reward Hall for many years, and I've seen plenty of this kind of struggle."
I came here just to say hello, so please be careful.
After saying this, he got up to take his leave.
"Brother Huang, please wait a moment."
Deng Qing counted out ten Merit Voucher from his Waist Pouch and handed them over.
Huang Yu was taken aback, then quickly pushed it back, "Brother Deng, what are you doing?"
"Take it."
What kind of person do you take me for?
Huang Yu said with a serious expression, "We've known each other for a while now. I just came to give you a heads-up, it was just a side thing, how did it get dragged into this?"
Deng Qing laughed and said, "Brother Huang, you're overthinking it. My harvest has been good lately, so let's all share the money. Just consider it a celebration."
Huang Yu smiled, "There's no need for so much."
Deng Qing shoved the Merit Voucher into his hand, "Don't refuse anymore. If you keep refusing, I'll take it as you thinking it's not enough."
Huang Yu sighed, subtly rolling the Merit Voucher into his sleeve. "Brother Deng, you're a man of few words. Very well, I'll share in your good fortune."
Having said that, Huang Yu bowed respectfully and left with light steps.
After seeing Huang Yu off, Deng Qing began to consider the current situation.
Huang Yu's warning meant that the situation would most likely develop in this direction. Although Deng Qing was not panicked, he had to be prepared.
The next morning, Deng Qing left the cave and went straight to Xiao Jinglin's residence.
Xiao Jinglin lived in a small courtyard in the east of the city, which was hidden behind a bamboo grove.
Xiao Jinglin certainly wasn't unable to afford a cave dwelling; he chose a courtyard simply because he was confident that no one would dare to covet him, Young Master Xiao.
When Deng Qing entered, Xiao Jinglin was practicing his martial arts.
He was carrying a huge stone lock in one hand, bending over and moving his feet.
Two stone locks, each weighing over a thousand pounds, hung almost flat on the ground. With each step Xiao Jinglin took, the muscles in his shoulders and back tensed up.
The morning breeze was quite cool, but Xiao Jinglin's forehead was covered in sweat, and a cloud of white steam rose from his body.
Seeing Deng Qing enter, Xiao Jinglin put down the stone lock and said with a smile, "A rare guest! Others may not know how diligent you are, but I certainly do! What brings you here today?"
Deng Qing said, "I've come to tell you some good news."
What's the joy?
"I was lucky enough to make it onto the Increase Ranking and gained the right to purchase a True Condensation Pill."
Xiao Jinglin's hand, which was wiping sweat, stopped moving. Suddenly, he gave a thumbs up. "I've been so busy that I haven't had a chance to check the list yet."
But I know one thing: Brother Deng, you'll excel wherever you go! It hasn't been long, and you've already snatched a spot to buy the True Condensation Pill from those people—that's incredible!
After exchanging pleasantries, Deng Qing got down to business and told him about Huang Yu's visit to warn him.
Xiao Jinglin nodded and said, "You earned it through your own abilities, so why should I care whether they're happy or not?"
Don't worry, as long as we're in the right, I'll cover for you in those dirty deeds.
He quickly clasped his hands in thanks, but Xiao Jinglin waved his hand and said, "We're brothers who've been through thick and thin together, so let's not talk about that. I have something here, take it with you."
"It would be even better if we could get some evidence when those dirty deeds happened."
As he spoke, he took out a jade button from his Waist Pouch and stuffed it into Deng Qing's hand.
"This is?"
" Shadow Sound Button."
Xiao Jinglin said, "It can retain sound and light, and its usage is similar to the Divine Shadow Stone, only it is made smaller and can be clipped to clothing, making it less likely to be noticed."
Deng Qing stroked the Shadow Sound Button and said with a smile, "This is a good treasure."
Xiao Jinglin laughed, " The Martial Dao Institute encourages competition. Brother Deng has the ability, so just keep striving for it. There are petty people everywhere; we can't just back down every time we encounter one. If that's the case, what's the point of practicing martial arts?"
Deng Qing nodded. "I've got it."
Xiao Jinglin said, "Brother Deng, you've now obtained the authority to purchase True Condensation Pill. How about I ask for leave and take you to my house to refine your Baleful Veins and break through to the Furnace Realm?"
Deng Qing said, "Let's wait a little longer. I don't think one True Condensation Pill is enough."
Xiao Jinglin was taken aback, then suddenly burst into laughter, "Brother Deng, what a spirit! I'm now especially looking forward to Brother Deng breaking through the Great Furnace!"
After exchanging a few more words, Deng Qing got up to take his leave.
After leaving Xiao Jinglin's courtyard, he first went to the Merit Reward Hall.
Huang Yu was on duty when he saw him arrive, and hurriedly came to greet him. Deng Qing asked him to help him exchange 500 Merit Voucher.
After carefully putting away the Merit Voucher, Deng Qing left the Merit Reward Hall and headed north.
After crossing two winding stone bridges, Deng Qing stopped in front of a courtyard with blue bricks.
There was an old servant by the door, sweeping fallen leaves. When he saw Deng Qing coming, he put down the broom, went up to greet him, and asked him a question.
Deng Qing cupped his hands and said, "Please inform him that I am Deng Qing, an old friend of Elder Han, and have come to pay my respects today."
The old gatekeeper chuckled. "So it's Deng, the official. Elder Han instructed us that if you were here, you could simply go in without announcing yourself."
Deng Qing nodded his thanks and stepped inside.
Passing through the screen wall, a spacious courtyard comes into view, with several old trees growing lushly, blocking out half of the sunlight in the courtyard.
Under the tree was a stone table, where Elder Han was sitting, holding Charcoal Pencil, engrossed in calculations.
Deng Qing stood at a distance without making a sound.
It wasn't until Elder Han finished writing one page and looked up that he saw him.
Elder Han chuckled, "Oh, what a rare guest! You've been at the Martial Dao Institute for so long, and finally you've remembered to visit this old geezer."
Deng Qing quickly cupped his hands in greeting, "Senior, please don't take offense. Firstly, I've been extremely busy lately, and secondly, I've only recently entered this Martial Dao."
"The academy, busy with tasks, has fallen into a low-ranking position and has no face to meet the senior officials."
Elder Han chuckled, tapped him with his Charcoal Pencil, and said, "You've got a silver tongue, kid. Tell me, what brings you here this time?"
Deng Qing cupped his hands and said, "Firstly, the rankings for this month have come out, and I was finally able to catch my breath. As soon as I had some free time, I came to see you."
Secondly, I've encountered a small problem and would like to ask for your guidance.
Thirdly, this junior truly misses my senior.
Elder Han waved his hands repeatedly, "Stop being so mushy, your teeth are practically falling out. Just say the driest thing."
Without making a sound, Deng Qing took out the five hundred Merit Voucher from his Waist Pouch and quietly placed them on the stone table.
Elder Han frowned deeply. "What are you doing? Take it back, take it back! What do you take me for?"
Deng Qing said, "It wouldn't be right for a junior to come empty-handed to visit a senior. I originally wanted to buy something, but after thinking about it, I still don't know what you need."
If you buy something you don't like and it just takes up space for nothing, all you get in return is a small Merit Voucher. You might as well put in the effort and buy something you actually like.
"Nonsense."
Deng Qing said, "Even if you are angry, there is no reason for me to take back the gifts I have given out."
We are not only old friends, but you are also a senior whom I respect. Besides, I was able to get those five thousand Merit Voucher because of your and Elder Jian's help behind the scenes.
When Elder Jian returns, this junior will naturally also offer her a token of respect.
Elder Han glanced at the corner of the table and sighed, "You rascal, you've only made a little money and you've already learned to do all this empty formalities."
Since Elder Jian also has one, and considering your good intentions, it wouldn't be right for me to refuse you further.
As he spoke, he flicked his sleeve across the table, and the stack of Merit Voucher disappeared.
"I've already said it, this is the only time."
"Elder Han said with a stern face."
Deng Qing, with a solemn expression, cupped his hands and said, "This junior obeys."
But in his heart he thought, "Once you accept this thing, can you only accept it once? I've never heard of that."
The two tacitly skipped over the gift-giving part, Elder Han invited Deng Qing to sit down, then summoned an old servant to serve tea before getting to the main topic.
Deng Qing then explained his predicament.
Elder Han said, "I thought it was no big deal. Elder Jian is traveling and doesn't know you've come back to life. She'll be very happy when she hears the news."
That being said, even though Elder Jian is not here, I cannot bear to see you suffer because of the reputation you earned for the Martial Dao Institute in the Desolate Soil Liangshan.
You don't need to overthink it. If you're on the list, you're on the list. Take what's yours. As for those flies and rats, they're bound to come out from the shadows.
"I'm backing you up, what are you afraid of?"
Deng Qing stood up and bowed, "With these words from you, senior, I feel at ease."
With the matter settled, Elder Han gathered the papers on the table and suddenly asked, "Long time no see, how's your Collapse Step technique coming along?"
Deng Qing said, "I haven't dared to fall behind."
"That's how you should practice martial arts."
Elder Han nodded, a smile appearing on his face. "These days, I have made great progress in my cultivation of the Collapse Step."
Speaking of which, I have to thank you, kid. Those mathematical symbols and terms you gave me are really useful. They've helped improve my Numerical Arts considerably, and my Collapse Step has also improved a lot. Now, when I draw a circle, the diameter is already over ten zhang."
As he spoke, Elder Han's face lit up.
To be honest, he's been really frustrated these past few days. Collapse Step is his specialty, but he's practiced it diligently for years without making any progress.
Now, we've made rapid progress, but we have nowhere to show it off.
Now that Deng Qing has arrived, he has clearly found someone to brag to.
After Elder Han boasted for a while, Deng Qing smiled and said, "Senior's skills are far beyond my reach."
"You're not as good as me, that's for sure. How dare you compare yourself to me?"
Elder Han pointed towards the courtyard, "Come, you should try it too, let this old man see."